How Much Does Dubai Earn From Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, known for its luxurious lifestyle, magnificent skyscrapers, and beautiful beaches. The city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah.

With its growing popularity as a tourist destination, it’s no surprise that Dubai earns a significant amount of revenue from tourism. In this article, we will explore how much Dubai earns from tourism.

The Importance of Tourism in Dubai

Tourism is a vital part of Dubai’s economy. The city has been actively promoting itself as a tourist destination for several years and has invested heavily in developing its infrastructure to cater to the needs of tourists.

According to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai welcomed around 16.73 million visitors in 2019 alone. This number is expected to increase further in the coming years.

How Much Does Dubai Earn from Tourism?

Dubai’s tourism industry is one of the main sources of revenue for the city’s economy. According to a report by DTCM, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Dubai’s GDP was AED 150 billion ($41 billion) in 2018, which accounted for 11.5% of GDP.

In terms of revenue generated directly from tourists, DTCM reported that Dubai earned AED 109 billion ($29.6 billion) in 2018. This includes revenue from accommodation, food and beverage services, attractions and entertainment activities.

Breakdown of Revenue Sources

  • Accommodation – AED 28 billion ($7.6 billion)
  • Food and Beverage Services – AED 23 billion ($6.3 billion)
  • Shopping – AED 19 billion ($5.2 billion)
  • Transportation – AED 11 billion ($3 billion)
  • Attractions and Entertainment – AED 10 billion ($2.7 billion)
  • Other Tourism Activities – AED 18 billion ($4.9 billion)

As you can see, accommodation and food and beverage services are the two main sources of revenue for Dubai’s tourism industry. Shopping is also a significant contributor to the city’s economy, with several prominent malls attracting tourists from around the world.

Future Growth of Dubai’s Tourism Industry

Dubai’s tourism industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The city has several major events planned such as Expo 2020, which is expected to attract millions of visitors from around the world. The government is also investing heavily in developing new attractions such as theme parks and cultural centers to cater to the needs of tourists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dubai earns a significant amount of revenue from its tourism industry, which is one of the main drivers of its economy. With an increasing number of visitors every year and several major events planned for the future, it’s safe to say that Dubai’s tourism industry will continue to prosper in the years to come.